Steve W

• Rated 4 stars

“I certainly don't have the scholarly knowledge of the history or subject matter to be able to comment on that, but I enjoyed the book. I do share the sentiment, though, that, as in most cases, the movie was a bit disappointing -- basically like having the book read to me all over.

I initially picked up this book out of curiosity. There was so much hype and controversy surrounding it, I had to see for myself what everyone was ranting about. I'm somewhat religious, but by no means a religious scholar, so I can't debate either side of the issue one way or the other, but regardless, I found the book captivating. Whether the concepts and details set forth by Brown are historically or religiously accurate was really irrelevant for me. I still liked the book.

I personally don't take the book as a guide for my own faith, but I don't believe that was the intention when it was written. Overall, while I wouldn't say this is a literary masterpiece that will go down in history alongside Shakespeare and Chaucer, it's definitely well written and an engaging story. Because of reading this book, I have begun reading more of Brown's writing.”

Steve W wrote this review Thursday, January 3 2008. ( reply | permalink )

• Rated 3 stars

“It was hard to only give this one 3 stars... seemed un-patriotic. This book is a collection of letters soldiers have written home from war. It spans the entire American military history through the year it was published.

I was excited (and felt VERY patriotic) for buying it and starting to read it, but honestly, I got tired of reading other people's letters. True, many of the letters were very moving, but the concept got old for me partway through the book.

Keep in mind that I've never served in the military or been involved in any type of military conflict. So my opinions are in no way representative of those of people who have served. It's a great compilation for people who like to read that type of thing. As it turns out, however, I'm not one of those people.”

Steve W wrote this review Thursday, January 3 2008. ( reply | permalink )

• Rated 5 stars

“I read this as a textbook for a grad class in education administration and supervision. I can't say that it was exciting to read, but it was very beneficial. I have used this text as a reference for several other classes since then and of the four books I read for that class (also including "Transformational Leadership and Decision Making for Schools", "Leading in a Culture of Change", and "School Leadership That Works"), this was by far the most comprehensive and informative.”

Steve W wrote this review Thursday, January 3 2008. ( reply | permalink )

• Rated 5 stars

“"Cook's Illustrated" is an indispensable resource for anyone who enjoys cooking and wants to do it better. The "Cook's Illustrated Annual" is the compilation of all the issues of "Cook's Illustrated" magazine (which is bi-monthly) from that year along with a more comprehensive index.

To be honest, I don't have the official "Annual". I do read all the magazines throughout the year and then, at the end of the year bring them to Staples where they trim off the bound edge and spiral bind all the year's worth of magazines together for me. Essentially I create my own "Annual" without the index. (Although, I suppose, if I was motivated enough, I could sit down at the computer and create my own master index.)

It seems to me that if you are a regular reader of "Cook's Illustrated" magazine, this "Annual" is totally unnecessary. But, if you don't subscribe to the magazine (or by it off-the-shelf like I do) and still want to benefit from the product reviews, articles, tips, and recipes that each issue contains (and, and trust me, they are quite beneficial), then you may want to pick up the "Annual".”

Steve W wrote this review Thursday, January 3 2008. ( reply | permalink )

• Rated 4 stars

“Having never read the first version of "I'm Just Here For the Food", I can't compare it to this version, but I can say this book is wonderfully informative. Just as "I'm Just Here For MORE Food" describes the more scientific processes involved in baking, this book goes "behind the scenes" of cooking.

If you're looking for a cookbook full of recipes, this is not going to be to your liking. If you want to become a better cook, however, this book is a must read. Brown's assertion is that in order to truly be a great cook, you need to have an understanding of what happens in the food and ingredients when you are cooking.

Don't let that scare you off, though. This is not a book designed for professionally trained chefs (although it was written by one). The scientific processes of cooking are explained in a completely "user-friendly" way so even someone who never did better than a "C" in science class (like myself) can totally understand it.”

Steve W wrote this review Thursday, January 3 2008. ( reply | permalink )

1 of 1 members found this review helpful.

• Rated 4 stars

“This is an incredibly interesting book. If you are looking for a collection of recipes, this is definitely not the book for you. If you think more in terms of a science textbook geared toward baking, with some recipes thrown in as well, you'll enjoy it.

The premise of the book is actually to help you, as a baker, more away from the recipes you already have. Basically, if you don't understand what function the ingredients play and how the process works, you won't be able to manipulate the process. If you can't manipulate the process, you will always be tied to other people's recipes.

I have tried several of the recipes in the book and, honestly, my taste and Alton's taste aren't exactly the same. I have found that I don't care for his version of some recipes as much as I did the recipes I already had. However, I do feel I became better at baking as a result of this book.

If you, like me, when you get into something (like baking) want to know everything you can about it, then this book is a definite must read. You will definitely learn the "how" and "why" of baking, not just to "how to".”

Steve W wrote this review Thursday, January 3 2008. ( reply | permalink )

• Rated 5 stars

“This book is a definite must for anyone looking to outfit their kitchen in the most practical way. Alton Brown, Food Network Celebrity and professionally trained chef, discusses the equipment he uses in his own kitchen and offers his personal and professional opinions, always with a slant toward the practical. And, of course, no uni-taskers in his kitchen.

Being a fan of his show, I was always curious to know about all the gadgets he has and how I could similarly outfit my kitchen. My wife, of course, being far more fiscally responsible than I, has had to curtail my spending and I, reluctantly, have settled into the realization that I really don't need to buy everything, even those things that I have no use in the world for, just "because AB has one".

I loved this book. It was kind of like a "Consumer Reports" but for kitchen gadgetry... and written by only one person. If you like reading about various gadgets and buying things, this is an awesome book. But let the buyer beware... the purchase of this book is easily the first step toward buying a lot of other cool stuff!”

Steve W wrote this review Thursday, January 3 2008. ( reply | permalink )